Rugby Africa, the body that oversees rugby competitions on the continent, has cancelled the 2020 international season.
This follows a virtual meeting held by the various rugby federations last Thursday, May 28, 2020.
The federations agreed that the 2020 international season be cancelled in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The head of Rugby Africa’s medical commission Dr. Elvis Tano said the confederation’s priority is to ensure the health and safety of the athletes and everyone involved in the sport.
He explained that the pandemic is yet to be contained, and that makes it impossible to resume competitions.
Rugby Africa cancels 2020 competitions:
— Uganda Rugby Union 🇺🇬 (@Uganda_Rugby) June 2, 2020
The decision to cancel the competitions follows a joint agreement reached with the federations consulted on 7th and 8th May 2020. pic.twitter.com/UmaBy1bALh
“Too much uncertainty still hangs over the development of the pandemic in the coming weeks for us (Rugby Africa) to be able to calmly resume competitions,” Dr. Tano said.
He added that the decision became necessary following the current restrictions and bans on travel and public gatherings.
This means all competitions under the umbrella of Rugby Africa which were scheduled for this year have been cancelled.
These include the U20 Barthes Trophy, Rugby Africa Cup for both men and women and the Rugby Africa Women’s Sevens.
Rugby Africa, however, assured that it will support cross-border matches or sub-regional tournaments organized on the initiative of the federations, whenever it becomes possible for such competitions to hold.
